What does it actually look like when a business takes responsibility for the people and communities around it?
In this episode of On The Fly!, Paul Szydlowski sits down with fellow Flywheel coach Paul Sturkey to talk about entrepreneurship, social impact, and the many ways businesses can do more than focus on the bottom line.
The two friends have decades of entrepreneurial experience between them, including restaurants, dry cleaning, technology businesses, and community-focused work. They share stories about how their own businesses supported employees through difficult circumstances, created opportunities for people, reduced waste, supported local organizations, and helped founders who were trying to build businesses that could make a difference.
Paul Sturkey talks about his path from selling lemonade and barbecue ribs as a kid to becoming a chef, helping launch the Greater Cincinnati Culinary Arts Academy, opening and operating restaurants, and eventually coaching entrepreneurs through Flywheel.
Paul Szydlowski shares his own journey from a childhood spent buying and selling whatever he could find to building Prime Valet Cleaners and other businesses.
Along the way, they discuss the importance of meeting employees where they are, the role mentors can play in someone's career, workforce development, sustainability, community involvement, and why social impact doesn't have to be a separate part of running a business.
They also talk about organizations including Giving Kitchen, which supports people in the food and beverage industry, and Beacon of Hope Business Alliance, which helps people who have been incarcerated prepare for employment and reconnect with the workforce.
At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we pair experienced professionals with purpose-driven founders to make a real difference in our communities. Interested in coaching, mentoring, or starting your own social venture? Visit https://flywheelcincinnati.org to learn how you can get involved.
On The Fly! is produced by Joan Kaup and Joey Scarillo, with support from Gianna DiMona. Music by Ben Hammer. It is recorded at 1819 Innovation Hub, courtesy of the University of Cincinnati.
